Top gong for Chris’ outstanding achievement and service

A former Territorian of the Year is among 20 outstanding Territorians who have earned national recognition in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their service and commitment to the Northern Territory and Australia. See who they are.

Chris Tudor plays to Michael Cole and Greg Wood at a Disability Awareness Festival Family Fun Day @ East Point. He has been appointmented to the Order of Australia — the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service.

A former Territorian of the Year and long time educator Chris Tudor has been appointed to the Order of Australia — the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service.

Mr Tudor, who spent 30 years as headmaster of St Philip’s College, Alice Springs, is recognised both at home and internationally for his achievements in building a school of international repute in Australia’s desert heartland.

He is one of 20 outstanding Territorians who have earned national recognition in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their service and commitment to the Northern Territory and Australia.

Mr Tudor career in education has been devoted to providing quality educational opportunities for young people living in rural and remote areas. He has also made a remarkable contribution to the development of the independent schools’ sector in Australia, at both Northern Territory and national level.

Olga Havnen has received an AM Picture: Sierra Haigh

In the honours list four Territorians have been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), nine have received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), one has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM), and five have been honoured with meritorious service awards for distinguished contributions in their fields.

Northern Territory Administrator Hugh Heggie congratulated the recipients on behalf of all Territorians.

“It’s inspiring to see Territorians across the Top End and Central Australia recognised for their

dedication and service, embodying the true spirit of the Territory,” he said.

“For 50 years, the Australian Honours System has stood as a symbol of excellence, service, and unity.

“With more than a million recipients across five decades, these honours recognise the everyday heroes who make our country a better place—individuals who lead, inspire, and

dedicate their lives to the communities they serve.

“Today, we celebrate their legacy and the enduring impact of their contributions.

“These recipients have shown exceptional dedication in their fields of education, disability,

nursing, to Indigenous health and advocacy, indigenous communities of the Northern Territory, and to the community. They reflect the spirit of the Territory and inspire us all to make a difference.”

Tom Ganley has received an OAM

Territorians recognised in 2025 include:

Order of Australia

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) - General Division

 Mr Christopher Tudor AO

Members of the Order of Australia (AM) – General Division

 The late Mr Samuel Bush-Blanasi AM

 Ms Olga Havnen AM

 Associate Professor Emma Kennedy AM

 Mrs Cheryl Jean Rae AM

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – General Division

 Ms Judith Dikstein OAM

 The late Mr John Dunstan OAM

 Mr Thomas Ganley OAM

 Mr Gerald McCarthy OAM

 Ms Jennifer Messell OAM

 The late Mr David Pearson OAM

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Military Division

 Lieutenant Colonel Mark Christopher OAM

 Major Michelle Griffith OAM

 Petty Officer Meg Magnuson OAM

Meritorious Service Awards

Awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM)

 Commander Daniel Bacon APM

Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

 Mr James Bromley AFSM

 Ms Lee Humphris AFSM

Awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM)

 Ms Fleur De May O’Connor ESM

Awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)

 Mr David Gordon ACM

Conspicuous Service Decorations

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

 Sergeant Joanna Morris CSM

To view the full list of recipients and their citations, or to learn how to nominate someone for

an Australian Honour, visit gg.gov.au.

Originally published as Top gong for Chris’ outstanding achievement and service